First Nations in BC oppose the national First Nations education legislation

First Nations in British Columbia oppose the national First Nations education legislation as proposed by Canada in the “Developing a First Nations Education Act: Discussion Guide”. The document, which they say is intended to guide intensive consultations toward the development of a proposed First Nations Education Act, was developed without First Nation input. BC nations believe the guide indicates that Canada has already set out several mandatory components of the new legislation. “The discussion guide is unilateral, paternalistic, contrary to the vision of First Nations control of First Nations education, and completely disregards First Nations languages and culture,” reads a press statement. “B.C. First Nations leaders call for a process that honors the two decades of First Nations’ collective work in this region to improve First Nations education. “This is just one more example of the Harper Government’s paternalistic and dismissive approach toward First Nations people,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “The discussion guide clearly shows the outcome for this piece of legislation is pre-determined. It also demonstrates Ottawa’s antiquated, stereotypical and racist perception that First Nations are still just ‘wards of the Crown’.” Said Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit, “Education is a fundamental human right. The federal government should not impose its assimilationist education policies on our children.” Assembly of First Nation regional chief Jody Wilson-Raybould said First Nations have local solutions, including the provincial and federal enabling legislation for First Nations education jurisdiction. “We need to build on our success and if the framework proposed in the discussion guide were applied in B.C. it would represent a tremendous step backwards. Nobody would want that.” The First Nations Leadership Council calls on Canada to honor and fulfill its commitments to First Nations in B.C. set out in education jurisdiction agreements and supporting legislation and the Tripartite Education Framework Agreement.